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Victoria, Australia: Researchers are now investigating the success of a stocking program that will develop a recreational fishery for trout cod in Victoria.

Three years ago an annual stocking program for trout cod began at Lake Kerferd, Beechworth and more recently at Lake Sambell in northeast Victoria.

Since the project began almost 10,000 trout cod have been stocked into the two lakes.

Now researchers are trying to find out how those fish have survived, what predators may have hindered survival and what types of food sources are available for the growing trout cod fingerlings.

Acting Director of Fisheries Management, Julia Menzies said once that had been done the stocking strategy will be fine-tuned to ensure optimum survivability for the stocked fish.

“We can work out how many we need, how big they need to be upon release and how often to stock the two lakes to ensure the stocking is successful,” Ms Menzies said.

“The survey work found stocked trout cod had survived the 2008 and 2009 stockings, which is promising to see as only 300 were stocked in 2008.

“The results also indicated good survival of stocked trout cod from the 2009 year-class.

“However both lakes hold predator species, particularly an abundance of golden perch in Lake Kerferd, due to historical stockings.

“Assessments in both waters will continue to measure the success of ongoing stockings with a plan to open the fishery to recreational fishing once the fish reach a suitable size.”

Once the Kerferd fishery is open to recreational angling, angler creel surveys will be undertaken to measure angler satisfaction levels.

Anglers are reminded that trout cod are fully protected in Victoria and it is an offence to take or attempt to take trout cod.

Source: http://www.biavic.com.au/news-details.php?articles=235